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Book Review – Men and Other Mammals

I recently finished reading a really good book: Men and Other Mammals by Jim Keeble.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I picked it up at a used bookstore for about two dollars. It’s super graphic cover really caught my attention, and I though, “why not?”

It’s actually been sitting in my office for about three or four months. The other day, though, I decided that I’d give it a try.

It’s about this guy, Scott, who has become a best-selling poet while living in London. I was actually thrown back by the setting. It even talks about kilos instead of pounds and such, but it was really interesting. Anyway, he has his third book published, he’s super fit, and he seems to have a fabulous life. Then, all in a short period of time, his girlfriend bails, he makes a fool of himself on TV, and a loved one dies suddenly. He’s left trying to piece together what’s left of his life, and his brother is a huge part of this.

And the penguins. Oh… the penguins! I think that’s the best plot line in the whole story, and I actually laughed out loud at a few of the moments. It was really good.

I was super impressed with the author. He constantly took what would normally happen in a book and did the opposite. It’s like nothing could go right. I felt like I had no idea what to expect next, and I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the novel.

But, perhaps what was most interested was Scott’s internal dialogue. He was such a cold, distant, uncommunicative person, but his inner monologue was so full of emotion, doubt, need, and hope. I felt myself rooting for him all the way through the story.

So… if you haven’t had the chance, you should definitely check this book out. It’s an easy read with a lot of thought-provoking statements. You’ll love it!